Army bosses undertake ‘prickly’ look coverage so troops cannot have tash
The Army needs you – just as long as you don’t have a tash like lord Kitchener.
A recent change in the rules means soldiers can now sport facial hair including beards – but troops have been warned their appearance will be kept under regular review.
The new “prickly” appearance policy states only a full beard will be allowed between 2.5mm and 25.5mm in length and it must be “trimmed off of the cheek bones and neck”. No patchy or uneven growth or exaggerated colours will be allowed.
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Speaking on a video platform for Ministry of Defence staff, Army Sergeant Major WO1 Paul Carney warned the relaxation of the rules, “wasn’t a free-for-all”.
(Image: Getty Images)
He added the policy had come into effect in advance of the bank holiday weekend, “to allow those on leave who wish to stop shaving time to grow a beard”.
But the policy, which was welcomed by the majority of serving troops and veterans, has faced opposition with some regiments requiring personnel to seek permission before growing facial hair.
Major Carney added: “Several stakeholders had to be consulted on the changes, including His Majesty The King, and the decision was made to tell the wider Army as soon as possible.”
(Image: UIG via Getty Images)
He went on: “Now that we have new regulations on beards, I expect individuals to take responsibility for their appearance and our NCOs to enforce the rules.”
In a newspaper chat Defence Secretary Grant Shapps called the beard ban “ridiculous” and welcomed the sensible end of an “outdated” rule.
LCpl Jonathon Hall, RLC, said: “As a balding man, the only hair I can have is on my face, so it would be nice to grow a beard.
(Image: Getty Images)
“There are ways of making it neat. I’ve seen some horrific beards in the RAF so maybe they could sort themselves out.
“But I reckon the Army will make soldiers keep theirs tidy.”
A hefty 40,000 serving and former personnel were surveyed on the rule change.
Major Carney said Five Eyes allies including America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia were less keen on allowing beards but the majority of Nato members embraced facial fluff.
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